Iraqi Forces Launch Attack at Last IS Fortification in Mosul

As reported by Reuters news agency today, Iraqi armed forces launched an operation to capture the last Islamic State fortification in Mosul. Once captured, the Islamic State’s presence in Iraq will have ended, however, the terrorist group still occupies areas in Syria and elsewhere. In Mosul, the Islamic State is still holding on to the Old City center and three adjacent districts along the western bank of the Tigris river.

Now in its eighth month, the US backed offensive in Mosul has taken longer than planned as the militants are deeply embedded among civilians. An Iraqi military statement said, “The joint forces have began liberating the remaining districts.” Another military statement announced the death of two Iraqi colonels killed during the fighting today.